“You’d invite me a complete stranger into your home?”

“My name is Samaria, “she says turning around extending her good arm for her to shake. Alice knew revealing her true name and identity would put her further in harms way so she introduced herself using a fake name.

“I’m Alani.”

“Well, Alani seems we are no longer strangers, “she says smiling.

“Uh, no we are not.” After introducing themselves Samaria engaged in conversation with her as if they were old friends. The more they spoke the more Alice found herself warming up to her. Samaria aside from her ghoulish looks was very intelligent, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. Throughout their 30-minute conversation she managed to make Alice smile and laugh more than she ever had in the last few days. Reaching the end of the path Alice was surprised when she led them directly to a blacksmith shop. Samaria seeing the confused look on her face feels the need to provide an explanation.

“This is my home and business.”

“You’re a skilled blacksmith?”

“You sound surprised.”

“Apologies I did not mean to offend.”

“It’s quite alright, it’s a question I’m asked often don’t be fooled by my brute physical appearance, “she says flexing her afflicted arm causing Alice to smile once more.

“Come I am starved, “she says opening the door. Following behind her Alice is amazed how much bigger her home and business looked in the inside compared to the outside. She was also shocked to see a few horse stables isolated away from her tools, shop, bedroom, and kitchen.

“You own horses?”

“No, the stables are for customers as they wait.”

“Shaping metal can be time consuming.”

“I do not shape metal.”

“Pardon my confusion as you stated you were a blacksmith?”

“I am, but a farrier specializing in making horseshoes please make yourself at home.” Finding an empty chair Alice takes a seat.

“I hope your appetite remains, “she says rummaging through the kitchen. Watching her hobble around Alice felt bad and offered to help.

“Samaria, can I be of any assistance?”

“Rest, yourself you are a guest can I offer you some wine?”

“Yes, please.” Grabbing a glass she fills it with wine bringing it to her as she did she found it difficult to conceal the smile on her face.